Self-sealing paper envelope



Jan. l, w45.. G. SCHIMAN 2,367,440

SELF` SEALING PAPER ENVELOPE Filed Oct. 5, 1942 Patented Jan. 16, 1945 SELF-ssamm; Parra ENvcLor Gustave Schieman, Bronx, N. Y., assilnor to lnternational Plastic Corporation, Morristown, N. J., a corporation of illinois Application October 5, 1942, Serial No. 460,756

1 Claim.

This invention relates to -a self-sealing envelope.

It is an objectl of my invention to provide a pressure sensitive, self-sealing envelope, more particularly an envelope having on its flap a pressure sensitive adhesive zone so arranged and combined that when not inuse the pressure sensitive adhesive zone is in registration with a repellent zone, and sealing thus prevented and when put to its intended use the two zones are moved out ot registration to permit the sealing of the envelope by application of a slight pressure.

The above and other objects, advantagesand capabilities will become apparent from a detailed description of the accompanying drawing in which i have illustrated a preferred and modified form of my pressure sensitive self-sealing paper envelope. However the constructions there shown are to be understood as illustrative, and not defining the limits of my invention.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. l is a front elevational view of an envelope with the top nap open illustrating an envelope embodying a preferred form of my invention;

Fis. 2 is a similar view of the envelope shown in Fig. l, but with the adhesive zone folded back on the repellent zone;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the same envelope showing the top dan in heavy lines brought down to position ready for sealing;

Fig. e shows thesarne envelope in sealing positon after put to use;

Fig. 5 shows an envelope embodying a modiication or" my preferred form with the adhesive zone on the top flap and the repellentlzcne on the body. of the envelope;

'Fie'. 6 shows the saine envelope with the top folded down into resting position with the adhesive zone in registration the repellent sone, and

Fig. i' mous the same modined form of envelope in position ediately before sealing with the repellent zone moved out of registration with the pressure sensitive adhesive zone in order to permit the pressure sensitive sealing zone to seal against the body of the envelope upon the applieetion of slight pressure.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the envelope utilized for the purpose of showing an embodiment of my invention, is of the well-known nap type and is constructed of paper. It has a main body or section l, a, seal flap 2. In the preferred form shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the seal flap 2 as manufactured is provided with a longitudinally extending pressure sensitive adhesive sealing zone 3 arranged near the free edge of the nap 2. spaced therefrom on the same side of the ilap is a longitudinally arranged repellent zone 4 which 'is repellent to the adhesive zone 3. As initially manufactured or produced, the pressure sensitive adhesivel zone of the ilap is folded down against and in registration with the repellent zone in which position it remains'until the envelope is put toits intended use. This position may be termed the resting position. To seal the envelope the pressure sensitive adhesive zone is lifted from the repellent zone. The flap is then brought down into engagement with the body of the envelope. The adhesive zone is then pressed slightly against the main body of the envelope and the envelope automatically sealed. I

The pressure sensitive adhesive which I utilize is permanently tacky, it is pressure sensitive, that is, pressure sealing, and in my preferred form,

the adhesive ls made from `a rubbery or cellulosic material modied with resin. However any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive may be used.

The repellent utilized in this invention is a lubricant or slip agent, e. g., a soap such as sodium oleate, sodium laurate, etc., a fairly high percentage of which is incorporated into a film forming agent such as casein, glue. starch, resins, etc.

In my modified form of envelope illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the pressure sensitive adhesive sealing zone is arranged in the same position as in my preferred form. However on the body of the modied form the envelope 5 as initially 'manufactured `there is provided a ap t which is turned down when in resting position, as best shown in Fig. 6. The exposed side o this flap when in that position is provided with a coating or suitable repellent such as above described. When the envelope is not in use and before it is put to its intended use, the pressure sensitive sealing zone is in registration with the repellent coating on the surface ci the turned down ap t. When it is desired to utilize the envelope for its intended purpose, the iap t is turned upwardly as indicated in Fig. 7. The pressure sensitive sealing zone is then brought into direct contact with the body d of the envelope and the envelope sealed by applying slight pressure to the flap.

It will thus become clear from the foregoing description and illustrations that I have provided a self-sealing paper envelope having only one zone of pressure sensitive sealing adhesive and that said zone as initially manufactured and during storage is in registration with a repellent zone, which envelope is so arranged that when it is desired to use the envelope for its intended purpose the repellent zone is readily and quickly brought out of registration with the pressure sensitive adhesive zone to permit ready automatic sealing of the envelope by the mere application of a slight pressure.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

A self-sealing envelope adapted to prevent unintentional sealing, comprising in combination a iront wall, a. rear wall, a ap on the front Wall adapted to overlap a p0rtion of the rear wall, a pressure sensitive adhesive coating adjacent the free edge of said flap, a coating spaced therefrom on the same side of said nap repellent to said pressure sensitive adhesive, against which the pressure sensitive adhesive zone is folded when the envelope is not in use for its intended purposes, and so arranged that, when desired to use the envelope, the `adhesive zone is unfolded and brought in direct contact with the back wall of the envelope and sealed thereto by applying a. slight pressure to the nap adjacent the adhesive zone, substantially as and for the purpose described.

GUSTAVE SCHIEMAN. 

